Expanding Dead Zone

Come and hear the facts from former DNR section chief Gordon Stevenson as he explains the causes behind our increasing statewide water quality problems on Sept. 10 at 7 pm at the Baileys Harbor Town Hall.

The mysterious dead zone in the waters of Green Bay has been raising havoc with the fishing activity in the area along the west shore of southern Door County and occurs each year in late August with the warm weather. The input of fresh water with sufficient oxygen content falls way below the needs of the fish and, as a result, they move to deeper water or perish on the beach seeking normal available oxygen.

The natural currents in the Bay, being counter-clockwise, bring the dead zone further north with each annual hot weather period, and increase its size. How can we stop this phenomenon from happening? What will happen if no one does anything to resolve this problem with our expanding dead zone?

Former DNR Water Runoff Division head Gordon Stevenson has been dealing with the issues that are responsible for this dead zone and other problems with groundwater quality throughout Wisconsin. He will explain the major changes that need to happen to keep this dead zone from expanding even more, possibly to the west shore of Door County.

Stevenson’s illustrated presentation will make the cause and effect of our land-use activities crystal clear along with the problems caused by the lack of proper regulation by state and county agencies.